DFID does not have a direct development programme in Cuba, so no specific assessment of sustainable development policies there has been made. DFID’s Caribbean office focuses on the English-speaking Caribbean, and therefore only maintains a watching brief on developments in Cuba. We are of course generally concerned about the welfare of the Cuban people and about how Cuba affects the wider Caribbean through its relationship with its neighbours.
DFID does provide support to NGOs working in Cuba through our central funding. Currently, through our Partnership Programme Agreements, DFID provides funding of two NGOs working in Cuba—Save the Children and the Ethical Trading Initiative.
As part of the European Union, we are committed to the policy of constructive engagement with Cuba. In the period 2000-05, the European Commission’s support to Cuba has included humanitarian aid and disaster prevention; food security; NGO co-financing in various sectors—including agriculture, health and education; economic cooperation; financial and technical cooperation; and support to the promotion of democracy and human rights. Since August 2003, the EC’s support to Cuba has been constrained by Cuba’s refusal to accept EC bilateral aid cooperation. Since then EC support has been provided only through non-governmental entities. For example, in 2005, the EC committed approximately €300,000 to Cuba, all of which was for NGO co-financing.
We will continue to monitor political and other developments in Cuba and respond as needed in the context of our engagement in EU institutions and our Caribbean regional programme.